Prior Learning Assessment
GENERAL POLICY
Mount Vernon Nazarene University recognizes that undergraduate students are afforded numerous educational opportunities outside of a structured classroom or online course. This extra-institutional learning may be achieved through courses sponsored by businesses, government, industry, the armed forces, professional schools, and other credible associations or agencies.
To provide equitable academic recognition for college-level learning, MVNU has established policies concerning credit awards for prior learning, which is defined as college-level learning obtained beyond the traditional college classroom and prior to any college coursework in that subject area. Prior experience, while important, will not necessarily be equivalent to prior learning. Undergraduate students enrolled in the School of GPS must articulate and demonstrate measurable college-level learning outcomes.
WHAT CONSTITUTES PRIOR LEARNING?
At MVNU, prior learning credit is awarded solely for learning that is measurable through an appropriate means of assessment, not simply demonstrated through experience alone. In addition, prior learning credit is awarded only for higher, college-level learning. This requires that the learning not only be measurable, but also demonstrate both depth and breadth relevant to the subject, combining theoretical concepts with practical application.
MVNU accepts the recommendations of courses by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). As such, courses listed in the current “ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training” or the “ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services” are accepted. MVNU reserves the right to not accept an ACE or NCCRS recommendation.
Recognizing that learning is the focus of a prior learning evaluation, how such learning is delivered, measured, and applied varies greatly. As a result, for those students seeking prior learning credit that is not validated by the American Council on Education (ACE), and in keeping with common practice among institutions of higher education, thirty (30) clock hours of instruction will correlate to one (1) credit hour, unless a compelling case can be made in the application process that a different standard should apply.
DOCUMENTING PRIOR LEARNING
Undergraduate students enrolled in the School of GPS who request prior learning credits must provide all training records, licenses, certificates, and/or letters from supervisors for evaluation. There is no guarantee of the number of prior learning credits that will be awarded. Upon approval, all prior learning credits that have been awarded will be added to the student's transcript.
Common forms of prior learning credits accepted by MVNU include:
- standardized examinations (CLEP/DSST)
- professional licensures (military, ACE)
- corporate and professional training
Students may earn a maximum of sixty (60) undergraduate prior learning credit hours, subject to the following limitations:
- no more than thirty (30) prior learning credit hours may be earned via CLEP/DSST
- no more than forty (40) prior learning credit hours may be earned via all other types of prior learning credit
- credit from vendor courses (e.g., StraighterLine) is limited to fewer than thirty (30) hours
CLEP/DANTES TESTS
DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) and CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests are available for students who need to complete the General Education Core or General Elective requirements. There is a fee for each test, plus an additional transcription fee per credit hour earned. The student should contact the appropriate academic advisor for specific information, academic advice, and restrictions.
Additional information about CLEP tests can be viewed at https://clep.collegeboard.org/.
Additional information about DANTES Subject Standarized Tests (DSST) can be viewed at http://getcollegecredit.com/.